What would LBJ do to pass health care reform?

[ehrnst]

59. I was referencing Sanders' talking of LBJs achievement of Medicare and Medicaid

And I will say that yes, he accomplished some of the most progressive legislation in our history along with the Vietnam war. To point out the good that Medicare and Medicaid - not to mention the Civil Rights act, and the Voting Rights Act - is not = to saying he was all good. And to point out his efficacy in getting those Great Society institutions in place is a matter of history, not false adulations.

That sort of dualistic, purist thinking will be the death of us, because NO ONE in public life is all demon or saint, because they are human beings.

I'll also give Nixon his due for establishing the EPA. I can do that while also noting that he declared war on Minority populations with the "war on drugs." Because I have the ability to understand that one can praise the actions of someone without making them into a saint.

Especially when they are long-time career politicians.